The borough’s two Republican city legislators will attempt to keep their seats in City Hall next year, after falling short in their contentious bids for higher office.
Councilmembers Eric Ulrich and Dan Halloran said they would seek re-election in their respective City Council districts after last Tuesday’s election dealt them crushing defeats.
“I feel very good. I feel confident. I’m very proud of my work in the City Council, and I have every intention of continuing it,” said Ulrich of Ozone Park. “But my main focus right now is helping the thousands of residents who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. I’ll worry about running for re-election after the new year.”
Ulrich’s $1 million run at unseating incumbent State Senator Joseph Addabbo in the 15th District was unsuccessful, as the 27-year-old rising Republican star lost by roughly 10,000 votes, according to unofficial results by the Board of Elections (BOE).
Halloran was also trounced by his Democratic opponent, Assemblymember Grace Meng, who won the open 6th District Congressional seat in a 2-to-1 landslide.
“I will never stop fighting for the residents in my Council district, and look forward to earning another term as their advocate for sensible government in the City Council,” Halloran said. “Working for the residents of Queens in my district has never been any less than my highest priority and my greatest honor.”
Halloran already faces challenges from a handful of Democratic hopefuls in the 19th Council District, which currently extends from College Point to the borders of Nassau County.
Democratic State Committeeman Matthew Silverstein, former Assemblymember John Duane and attorney Paul Vallone — son of former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr. and brother of Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. — are officially running to oust the Republican incumbent.
The candidate ring may also soon feature Community Board 11 chair Jerry Iannece, as well as Austin Shafran, the 31-year-old vice president of public affairs for Empire State Development, who has had his name bandied about.
No candidates from either aisle have yet announced candidacy to replace Ulrich, with elections to take place next November.
